Thursday, May 13, 2010

Guest Author: Carolynn Carey

Today we have author Carolynn Carey discussing...

Books Set in Small Towns: Love Them or Do You Care?

Thanks for having me today. It’s always fun to “talk” with other readers.

And although I’m a writer, I consider myself, first and foremost, a reader. I think the love of reading is what makes anyone want to become a writer. Creating worlds that can help other people escape for a few minutes or for a few hours is one of the most fulfilling endeavors one can undertake, in my opinion.

Speaking of creating worlds, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed writing books centered around the small fictional town of Barbourville, Tennessee. Dealing with Denver is my third book set in Barbourville, but each stands alone.

I don’t know about you, but I love books set in small towns, and they’re very popular right now. In Dealing with Denver, I drew on my experiences in growing up in a small town. Although I have lived in a city for many years, I still go back to that small town, both physically and emotionally, and I always revel in the closeness of the people.

In Dealing with Denver, Southern travel writer Mattie Meadows needs an excuse to spend a few days in Barbourville, Tennessee, without the town folk guessing why she’s there. Fortunately, she’s a frequent contributor to a magazine devoted to cottages, and Barbourville boasts a delightfully authentic, old-time cottage called Potter Place. After snagging an assignment to write about Potter Place, Mattie figures her goal is in sight. Then Denver Vance shows up at the cottage and everything changes.

Since Chicago attorney Denver Vance is merely passing through Barbourville on his way home, he decides to spend one night at his brother’s cottage, Potter Place, and then head north the following day. Problem is, there’s a stranger on the front porch acting as though he’s an intruder, and by the time Denver discovers who she is, he’s already been drawn into helping her with her clandestine search.

Both are aware that their time in Barbourville is limited, and although neither expects to fall in love, they do. Then Mattie succeeds in her quest and old Barbourville secrets come to light, secrets that could very well destroy Mattie’s and Denver’s chances for happiness.

Will Mattie and Denver find a way to mesh their very different worlds and settle down in Barbourville? Or will the secrets they’ve uncovered forever taint their future in the small town?

What about you? Were you raised in the city or a small town or even in the country? Do you think where you were raised has any influence on the setting you prefer for the books you read?

Carolynn Carey loves writing about small towns and large towns, about the present and the past, about Tennessee and about long-ago England. To learn more about her various books, visit her website at http://www.CarolynnCarey.com.

6 comments:

Bekki Lynn said...

I love small towns -- everyone knows everyone, and their business good or bad. They are also the most supportive when tragic events happen. They are a family unit.

The majority of my life has been lived either in the country or small towns - the smallest being 500 people.

I love reading about them, because I relate. Relating as a reader can really enhance the enjoyment.

The Brunette Librarian said...

I love books about small towns, I think its fun to read about...and I live in one! I live in a teeny town with only 300 people...it's a bit crazy but I love it!

Regina Carlysle said...

Small town girl here *raising hand*. I write about them too because they lend themselves to colorful, quirky characters and great emotion. Sometimes I'll do a city but not often and normally the 'city scenario' will feature a small town hero or heroine.

Thanks for being with us today, Carolynn! The book sounds great!

Molly Daniels said...

I grew up in the suburbs of a college town, but moved to the City as an adult, and then to a small town to raise my family:) I love writing about close-knit communities:)

Carolynn Carey said...

Thanks, Bekki, Rachie, Regina, and Molly, for sharing your thoughts about small towns. Like all of you, I love the quirks of small-town living. I'll be going back to the small town where I was raised at the end of this month for a high school reunion. It's always fun to see the folks who "knew you when"!

Anne Rainey said...

Thanks for visiting with us, Carolynn!

I'm a small town girl and always have been. It only stands to reason I'd gravitate towards them when reading!